Lake District Things To Do

10 Things To Do In Buttermere, Lake District

Buttermere is famous for being one of the most scenic and beautiful natural spots in the Lake District, and witnessing it is one of the best things to do in Buttermere in itself. It has a quiet lake with no boats or excursions, and the surrounding valley is lined with unique mountains and waterfalls. Buttermere village sits between Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water, and is one of the smallest villages in the Lakes. If you’re visiting this stunning spot, here’s some things to do in Buttermere.

Things To Do In Buttermere

Naturally with the change in seasons comes different natural beauty, and Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times to visit. Be prepared for all weathers, this is the Lake District, but all of these things to do in Buttermere can be done year round.

Walk Around Buttermere Lake

The reason most visitors go to Buttermere is for the lakeside walk. Being a relatively small lake it’s a suitable walk for all ages and abilities. There is a low level path that goes the whole way around, and aside from one small section at the far end which is on the road, you’re in the natural peace and quiet of the environment for most of it. Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery from all angles, it really is stunning.

What is there to see around Buttermere Lake?

The walk around Buttermere Lake will take you past a number of things to see and do. Starting from the village, going anti clockwise around the lake will take you to the bottom corner, where there is a beach from which you can take some photographs across the lake, enjoy a picnic or just relax.

Almost immediately you will come across your first waterfall, which has two bridges over it and is ideal for playing pooh sticks. This is Sourmilk Gill waterfall and if it’s been raining it can come down pretty fast. You might also spot some of the rocks and mud around here are a bit pink in colour, if they’ve come down from Red Pike which sits behind.

Burtness Wood is a patch of woodland on the same side of the lake, with tall trees and soft grass underneath. It’s somewhere I’ve seen people wild camp before.

Past here you will come to Comb Beck waterfall, which is another impressive waterfall especially if there’s been rain. It’s a good spot for a drink and a snack if you’ve got them in your backpack.

Although the lake is National Trust owned, there is private farmland at the far end, so you might see the farmer at work herding sheep or cattle. You walk through the farm as part of the walk, and it brings you out on the road at the top where there is often a truck selling drinks and ice cream.

On the opposite side as you come back down the other side of the lake you will pass through a cave tunnel, as well as get the chance to plodge or let the dog run in the lake on one of the open beaches. The views here are again magnificent.

Places To Stay In Buttermere Lake District

How long is the walk around Buttermere Lake?

The walk around Buttermere Lake is just under 5 miles, and it can be easily done in half a day or less if you’re going at a pace, so you’ll be back to the pub or cafe in the village in no time. I wouldn’t rush it though, it’s such an enjoyable walk. There is one stretch of road at the top, and one patch of rocks to navigate but nothing too strenuous at all. 

You could also run around it, Kieran did this but instead of dropping back down to the lakeside path at the top he continued on the road which brings you back to the village instead. This meant he avoided the cave and the rocky section which would have slowed him down.

Things To Do In Buttermere

Go Wild Swimming

As there are no organised boat trips, or boats of any kind on Buttermere Lake it’s ideal for wild swimming. The water is very clear, but it does drop off a shelf and gets deep so be careful. The beaches at either end are good entry points.

Paddleboard on Buttermere Lake

It is therefore also a great lake for paddleboarding, especially on a calm day as it’s so serene. There isn’t anywhere nearby to rent a paddleboard so you would need either your own or to source one from somewhere for the day as it’s quite remote you wouldn’t be able to rent one for just a few hours. 

Get Artistic

The Sourmilk Gill corner of Buttermere is a famous spot for photographers and painters who want to capture the view across the lake. You could easily spend hours here admiring or taking in the view.

Climb a Buttermere Mountain

There are a number of mountains you could climb around Buttermere Lake, the most famous include Fleetwith Pike, which sits at the far end of the lake and has a ridge coming down the front with a white cross to commemorate a hiker who fell, Haystacks due to its appearance as stacked bales of hay, Red Pike and Rannerdale Knotts.

It’s been years since I’ve done them but they were all no problem for me as a child/teenager. Make sure you get proper information on the routes to take.

Enjoy the Pubs and Beer Gardens

The Bridge Hotel has a fabulous pub and is right in Buttermere village. It serves great food, is dog friendly, and has an outside terrace area which is a sun trap in good weather. It’s the best place to relax after a mountain hike or walk around the lake. Buttermere Court Hotel is also opposite which has a beer garden too.

Places To Stay In Buttermere Lake District

Honister Slate Mine

Not far from Buttermere is the last working slate mine in England, on Honister Pass. There is a cafe on site, and you can do activities such as a tour of the slate mine, mountainside camping, guided walks and other adrenaline fuelled activities. 

Find out more on the Honister website here.

St James Church 

The tiny church in Buttermere village might just be one of the smallest churches you will come across. Inside there is a memorial plaque dedicated to Alfred Wainwright. He was a famous Lake District guide book writer, and he wanted his ashes scattered up Haystacks, which you can see from the church window.

Visit Scale Force 

Scale Force is the highest waterfall in the Lake District, and is set deep into a gorge that is part of Red Pike. It is about a 2 mile walk to reach it, but is worth it even in the summer when there’s less water coming down. Buttermere village is one of the nearest parking points from which to start your walk, and it’s signposted.

Visit Croft House Farm and Syke Farm tearooms

Being so small there are only two tea rooms you can visit in Buttermere village, but they both serve excellent food, coffee, cakes and ice creams. They may be small but they do have outside seating and offer takeaway. They get very busy in the summer.

To really make the most of all these things to do in Buttermere, staying in the village allows you to do that with it all on your doorstep. Take a look at these places to stay in Buttermere.

Of all the things to do in Buttermere, taking in and making the most of the scenery and beauty of the place is by far the best. Being able to walk around the lake, switch off as there’s no mobile signal at all, and enjoy the fresh air makes it one of the most enjoyable places in the Lake District. The rest of the region is within easy reach through scenic road routes too.

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Places to stay in Buttermere

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